Median Income
$56,875
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$97,700
65% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.8%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$817
30% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.1%
51% lower than US avg
How Wakonda Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population352
Median Age53.4 yrs
Density903/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans4.1%
Economy
A
Median Income$56,875
Per Capita$29,450
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.1%
County GDP$1,759M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$97,700
Rent$817
Ownership83.5%
Zillow$248,189
Housing Units164
Rent Burden45.0%
Crime
Violent0/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking14.8%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain26.9 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,387 ft (423 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+18.8%
High School+94.6%
Graduate+13.0%
School Score5.91
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 36%
Commute24 min
Broadband91.7%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Wakonda a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Wakonda receives an overall livability score of 3.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Wakonda offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Wakonda is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Wakonda is $97,700, 65% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Wakonda is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
18.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Wakonda experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches, including 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Wakonda has a population of 352 with a density of 903 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 53.4 years, 37% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.7% female and 52.3% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 2.8% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.3% of residents. 4.1% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 15.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
53.4yrs
Median Age
37% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.3%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.7%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Wakonda is $56,875, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $29,450 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,068, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 864 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 9.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,875 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $29,450 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,068 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.427 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.1% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 864 |
| County GDP | $1,759M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 71 |
| Retail | 106 |
| Manufacturing | 35 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,942 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.3% |
The median home value in Wakonda is $97,700, 65% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,189, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $817 (30% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $5,942 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 45.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $97,700 |
| 65% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $248,189 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $817 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 45.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.5% |
| Housing Units | 164 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,942 |
| 70% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.08% |
In Wakonda, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 14.8% are current smokers. 21.3% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:971. The dentist ratio is 1:1,798. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Wakonda vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 30.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:971 |
| Dentists | 1:1,798 |
| Mental Health | 1:128 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.3% |
| Dental Visits | 68.6% |
| Premature Death | 6,346/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 71 |
Wakonda has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes.
Crime Rates: Wakonda vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
Wakonda experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 17°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 26.9 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 30.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,387 feet.
Temperature
17°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 46.4°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 17°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,387 ft (423 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 903/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0081°N, 97.1060°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Yankton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Joe Foss Field (FSD)
44 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
26.9"
29% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 66.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.3. Most recent: M2.7 on Feb 5, 2025.
| Nov 3, 2002 |
16 km SSW of Butte, Nebraska |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
132 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
66 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
135 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
132 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
62 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
134 km |
| Mar 6, 2024 |
6 km SSE of Santee, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
62 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
653 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 356 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 2003 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
95 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1965 |
EF4 |
21 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 2014 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1981 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1979 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1978 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Sep 22, 1968 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SIX PACK (1,649 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
SIX PACK |
1,649 |
67 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
60°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| November |
33°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Wakonda has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 17°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Wakonda. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $591 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $443 |
| Toddler | $443 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Wakonda
What is the population of Wakonda?
Wakonda has a population of 352 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 903 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 53.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.7% female and 52.3% male.
Is Wakonda expensive to live in?
Wakonda is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $56,875, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $97,700 (65% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $817 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Wakonda safe?
Wakonda is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average).
What is the weather like in Wakonda?
Wakonda has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 17°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 26.9 inches, with 30.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Wakonda?
The job market in Wakonda is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,068. There are 864 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 9.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Wakonda?
The median home value in Wakonda is $97,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $248,189. For renters, the median monthly rent is $817. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,942.
How are the schools in Wakonda?
Schools in Wakonda score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.8% of adults in Wakonda hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.6% have completed high school. 13.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Wakonda?
The obesity rate in Wakonda is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.8% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:971.
What is transportation like in Wakonda?
The average commute in Wakonda is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 78% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Wakonda?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Wakonda is 91.5% White, 0.9% Black or African American, 2.8% Hispanic or Latino. 98.3% of residents speak only English at home. 4.1% of the population are military veterans. 15.9% of residents have a disability. 91.0% have health insurance coverage.
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